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When to plant Leeks in McCreary County, KY

For McCreary County, gardeners: plant Leeks April 6 through April 27 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Leeks in McCreary County, KY

Leeks

Leeks are a mild, sweet allium that produces long white shanks. They are more refined than onions and are a key ingredient in soups, stews, and gratins.

McCreary County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.

At an elevation of 1,081 feet, McCreary County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Leeks during the growing season.

McCreary County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
184 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
184 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

McCreary County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Leeks Planting Timeline — McCreary County, KY

Leeks Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 – Oct 5
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–150 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

184 days in McCreary County

Growing Tips for McCreary County

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. Transplant into trenches and hill soil around stems as they grow to increase the white portion. Harvest as needed.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Leeks in McCreary County, KY?

McCreary County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Leeks planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McCreary County, KY?

McCreary County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Leeks in McCreary County, KY?

In McCreary County, KY, plant Leeks after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is McCreary County, KY for Leeks?

McCreary County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Leeks grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Leeks grow in McCreary County's climate?

Yes — Leeks grows well in McCreary County's temperate climate. McCreary County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your McCreary County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for McCreary County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for McCreary County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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